An epic journey across the UK to bring communities together set off from Morecambe on Wednesday.

Comedian and presenter Jo Brand remotely launched The Big Walk with a live link from BBC’s The One Show studio in London.

Morecambe at centre of national walk

The Big Walk is a three-week adventure which will see four teams of walkers span the UK connecting people, celebrating community and encouraging the nation to take part in The Big Lunch, the UK’s annual get-together for neighbours on June 3.

The idea from the Eden Project has been made possible by The National Lottery, and this year Morecambe is set to take centre stage as the launch action will be coming live from The Promenade this evening.

Following a full day of activities in Morecambe on Wednesday, this year’s walkers joined a Mile Promenade Walk at 4.30pm before setting off on their big adventure between 7pm and 8pm live on The One Show.

Local entertainment was on hand to give the walkers a proper Morecambe send off, including 25 stalls, a bouncy castle, music and local community groups.

Morecambe at centre of national walk

The walking groups then set off in separate directions towards England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, aiming to return to their respective homes in time for The Big Lunch on June 3.

Peter Stewart of The Big Lunch said: “The Big Walk is all about shining a light on the incredible people and projects doing life-changing work on our doorsteps. Our walkers will be stopping in different neighbourhoods every day, discovering the amazing work that is quietly going on in communities up and down the UK.

Angus McLeod is captain of Team Scotland, walking from Morecambe to Dundee. He said: “The Big Walk is an opportunity for me to take time out of my normally busy working life and enjoy a journey of discovery, finding out more about what is currently happening in some of our local communities.”